Library: Policy

340:110-3-93. Infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds

Revised 6-1-22

(a) Responding to needs. The caregiver holds, cuddles, talks, and sings to infants and toddlers, while understanding and responding to the child's particular needs.

(b) Daily routine. The daily routine is adapted to each infant and toddler's individual needs, accommodating the schedule set by the parent, as much as possible.

(1) The daily schedule is accessible and followed with reasonable regularity.

(2) Awake children do not remain for more than 20 minute increments in equipment restricting freedom of movement, such as rest equipment, swings, high chairs, or stationary activity centers, except while eating in high chairs or similar stationary equipment.

(1) Infants six months of age and younger are held while bottle-fed.

(2) Infants seven months of age and older are held while bottle-fed until able to hold bottles securely without assistance.

(3) Children are not given bottles in cribs or moving swings due to increased risk of choking, ear infections, and tooth decay.

(4) Breast milk is refrigerated or frozen until immediately before feeding.

(5) Bottles of premixed formula are refrigerated until immediately before feeding.

(6) Breast milk is not reused after two hours from serving.

(7) Formula is not reused after one hour from serving.

(8) Bottles of formula or breast milk are not warmed in a microwave.

(d) Chokeable, unsafe, and new foods. For safety:

(1) the caregiver works closely with parents to introduce new foods;

(2) infants are not fed honey or peanut butter;

(3) children 1 year of age are fed thinly spread peanut butter, if served; and

(4) children 1 year of age and younger are:

(A) not fed foods that may cause choking, such as candies, gum, marshmallows, raw carrots, raw peas, celery, whole grapes, nuts, seeds, popcorn, rice cakes, and chips; and

(B) fed other foods cut into small pieces no larger than:

(i) 1/4 inch cubes for infants; and

(ii) 1/2 inch cubes for 1-year-olds.

(e) Diaper-changing. Diapers are changed promptly when wet or soiled.

(1) A clean nonporous surface or pad is used for diaper changes and sanitized after each use. Care is taken to prevent spread of germs.

(2) Caregivers wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after each diaper change.

(3) Children are not left unattended on a diaper-changing surface.

(f) Availability and disposal of diapers. For proper hygiene:

(1) sufficient quantities of clean diapers are available; and

(2) a closed container for soiled diapers is used.

(g) Toilet learning. Toilet learning is a relaxed, pleasant activity.

(1) Parents are informed of the child's toilet learning progress.

(2) Training pants or underwear are changed promptly when wet or soiled.

(3) Fecal content may be disposed of in a toilet, but soiled diapers or training pants are not rinsed in the toilet.

(4) Children are encouraged by regular use of a toilet or potty chair for short periods of time not exceeding 10 minutes.

(h) Potty chairs. Potty chair contents and rinse water are emptied into the toilet. After each use, potty chairs are cleaned and disinfected in a sanitary manner.

(i) Infant car seats. Infants are not permitted in infant car seats except during emergency drills, transportation, and arrival and departure with parents.